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    No matter how vast the world is, marrying a wife is the most important thing!

    Inside the hospital room.

    Fu Li had temporarily calmed down.

    He had just had a fit of madness, and his already weak body looked even paler. Yet, having just cried, the area around his eyes was red, creating a stark contrast. When he looked up, his gaze was intense yet vacant, as if he had aged several years in an instant.

    It was truly frightening.

    Pei Xuezhi, however, remained unfazed. She asked, โ€œWhat do you want from me?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi had a vague guess in her mind.

    When Fu Li had last left, he had been screaming something about โ€œHe canโ€™t go to jail,โ€ so it was likely he was here to plead for leniency.

    Among the four guests still in the hospital:

    Qin Zhenyan had been schemed against, and even though he had narrowly escaped, it was only due to luck. Now, he utterly despised Fu Li and wanted nothing to do with him.

    Ni Jiaojiao had lost a suitor. She was naturally soft-hearted and would have been a good choice, but unfortunately, the incident had already been exposed to the audience, and her influence was ultimately insufficient.

    Fu Chaoyun was as enigmatic as ever, and it was she who had provoked Fu Li earlier, so she was ruled out.

    That left only Pei Xuezhi herself.

    Given their current relationship, her words could influence Fu Chaoyun to some extent. Moreover, since the show began, even when Fu Li had been clinging to Fu Chaoyun in pursuit, Pei Xuezhi had never done anything bad to him. Perhaps, being an omega herself, Fu Li felt that she might be sympathetic.

    However.

    Upon hearing her voice, Fu Li stared at her intently, then suddenly said in a sinister tone, โ€œYou know what? Out of all the guests, I hate you the most!โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s expression remained calm, clearly unfazed by his words. It seemed that nothing could ever make her show surprise.

    โ€œDid you call me here just to say that?โ€ she asked.

    Fu Li continued to stare at her.

    โ€œWell thenโ€”โ€

    Pei Xuezhi cut him off with a simple, โ€œOh.โ€

    Her infuriating demeanor was strikingly similar to Fu Chaoyunโ€™s, and as expected, Fu Li was provoked.

    Perhaps he had initially intended to speak calmly, but the moment he saw Pei Xuezhiโ€™s face, malice surged uncontrollably within him, and he once again descended into madness.

    โ€œWhy?!โ€

    โ€œWeโ€™re both omegas, both just poor students. Your personality is so unlikable, so why do the people Iโ€™m interested in always end up choosing you?โ€

    โ€œIโ€™ve worked so hard too, and Iโ€™m not that much worse than you, am Iโ€ฆ?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi had heard such remarks countless times since she was young and had always ignored them. But now, perhaps influenced by Fu Chaoyun, she actually retorted.

    โ€œItโ€™s different.โ€

    Fu Li looked at her.

    โ€œAccording to popular standards, Iโ€™m probably better-looking than you, and I got into a better university than you did. And even though weโ€™re both omegas, youโ€™re a male omega, and Iโ€™m a female omega. Weโ€™ve always been different individuals.โ€

    โ€œHmph,โ€ Fu Li sneered. โ€œAre you implying that Iโ€™m far inferior to you, and that those people made the right choice by picking you, is that it?โ€

    When dealing with anyone other than Fu Chaoyun, Pei Xuezhi rarely showed much expression. But now, she unexpectedly revealed a hint of pity.

    โ€œI believe that a personโ€™s value is defined by themselves, not by how others perceive you.โ€

    โ€œHeh, heh, hehโ€ฆโ€

    Fu Liโ€™s mocking laughter grew louder. โ€œOf course you can say that, since youโ€™re the one whoโ€™s always chosen. Now youโ€™re mocking meโ€”you must be feeling pretty smug, huh?โ€

    It was clear that communication was impossible.

    It seemed Fu Li still hadnโ€™t figured out why he had called her over. Not wanting to waste any more time, Pei Xuezhi took one last look at him and then walked straight toward the door.

    โ€œWait!โ€

    Fu Li called out repeatedly, but Pei Xuezhiโ€™s slender fingers were already on the door handle, and she didnโ€™t turn back.

    โ€œI have somethingโ€”I have something to tell you! Itโ€™s about Fu Chaoyun!!!โ€

    Only after he hurriedly shouted the last part did Pei Xuezhi finally turn around. She remained standing at the door, not stepping back inside, and said in a calm tone, โ€œGo on.โ€

    Fu Li leaned back on the hospital bed, breathing heavily.

    He had originally intended to use this as a bargaining chip, but because he had failed to control his emotions earlier, he had instead been outmaneuvered by Pei Xuezhi.

    Fu Li noticed a fleeting shadow of something dark in Pei Xuezhiโ€™s eyes when she turned back, but he couldnโ€™t resist provoking her.

    โ€œYou know, back when you didnโ€™t even want to acknowledge her, my target was Fu Chaoyunโ€ฆ What can I say? She looked rich and easy to fool.โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s fingertips lightly turned the door handle, producing a soft click.

    โ€œDonโ€™t!โ€

    Now Fu Li didnโ€™t dare to provoke her anymore. โ€œYouโ€™re together now, but do you know why I targeted Fu Chaoyun in the first place?โ€

    Why?

    Fu Li was waiting for Pei Xuezhiโ€™s response, hoping to use Fu Chaoyun as bait to gain control over her.

    โ€œDingโ€”โ€

    However, it was Pei Xuezhiโ€™s phone that rang first. She took it out and saw that the message was from none other than Fu Chaoyun, the central figure of their current conversation.

    โ€œWait a moment,โ€ Pei Xuezhi said.

    Fu Li was momentarily stunned.

    Meanwhile, Pei Xuezhi had already opened the message.

    [Howโ€™s it going in there?]

    Pei Xuezhi typed: [Heโ€™s about to say something.]

    [No need.]

    [You can come out now.]

    Pei Xuezhi sent a [?] in response.

    [Iโ€™ve got some information here. His motives are clear now, and heโ€™s emotionally unstable. Itโ€™s better if you donโ€™t stay alone with him.]

    Should she leave?

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s fingertips lingered on the screen for a moment before she finally replied: [Iโ€™ll stay a little longer.]

    [Okay.]

    Fu Chaoyun only sent that single word in response, asking nothing further. A moment later, another new message arrived.

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s gaze sharpened slightly, and she eventually put her phone away. โ€œAlright, letโ€™s continue.โ€

    โ€œWhoโ€™s messaging you?โ€ The rhythm of the conversation was disrupted again, and Fu Li seemed visibly nervous. โ€œWhat did you two just talk about?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi skipped over his question. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to convince me. I think the bargaining chip you might have mentioned is no longer valid.โ€

    Fu Liโ€™s heart tightened. โ€œWhat?โ€

    โ€œThe production team has decided to call the police. The live-stream audience saw everything, and the impact of this incident is too significant to hide.โ€

    In the next second, Fu Li lost it.

    โ€œCalling the policeโ€ฆ going to jailโ€ฆ Everyone makes mistakes, so why wonโ€™t you give me a chance!โ€ฆโ€

    Pei Xuezhi didnโ€™t interrupt him, only thinking to herself: Not every mistake deserves a chance to be redeemed.

    She continued calmly, โ€œBesides that, Fu Chaoyun also asked me to tell you something.โ€

    โ€œWhat?โ€

    โ€œSheโ€™ll cover your familyโ€™s medical expenses for now. You can repay her slowly after you get out of prison.โ€

    Fu Li had initially given up hope, but now, as he looked at Pei Xuezhi, his twisted, hideous face suddenly froze, appearing absurdly comical. After a moment of stunned silence, he gradually returned to normal and then burst into wild laughter.

    โ€œHahaha, hahahahaโ€”Fu Chaoyun! In the end, itโ€™s still because of Fu Chaoyunโ€ฆโ€

    A heavy weight lifted from his heart, and when he thought about the news of going to jail, he no longer felt the urge to rage. Instead, he looked at Pei Xuezhi.

    โ€œShe found out something, didnโ€™t she? But since weโ€™re in the same room now, sheโ€™s worried I might do something to you, right? She really cares about you.โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s cool, piercing gaze swept over him. โ€œDo you really think, in your current state, you could do anything to me?โ€

    It was both a taunt and a statement of fact.

    Drugging her?

    When Fu Li was brought to the hospital in that state, he had been thoroughly checked from head to toe. There was no way he could have hidden anything.

    This was also why Fu Chaoyun felt comfortable letting Pei Xuezhi enter the room alone.

    Fu Li choked for a moment. โ€œThen what could it be? Did she suddenly decide to be charitable and expect me to feel grateful for her generosity!?โ€

    โ€œPerhaps, for her, it was just a trivial matter.โ€

    The gap between people was so vast. What Fu Li had schemed so desperately to obtain was something someone else could achieve with just a flick of their finger.

    The greed in his heart was reignited.

    He thought about himself.

    From a young age, he had been willing to do anything for money.

    He wasnโ€™t particularly talented academically, but Fu Li was well aware that studying, hard work, and perseverance were the only things someone at his level could rely on to fight for a better future.

    Whether he worked hard on his own or used his efforts as a bargaining chip to attach himself to wealthy alphas, it would be a very useful pass for him.

    Of course, Fu Li preferred the latter option because it was simpler and faster. Initially, he had wanted to ensure a better life for the only elderly person in his family, but laterโ€ฆ was that still the case? Or was it just his own vanity?

    Well, he couldnโ€™t tell anymore.

    Studying had also made his mind sharper, allowing him to understand more and distinguish right from wrongโ€ฆ though he had never actually followed any of it.

    In the past, hearing such words would have enraged him, but now he simply pursed his lips. The omegaโ€™s eyes lowered, and he spoke calmly.

    โ€œRegardless, please thank her for me. Really, thank her.โ€

    โ€œAnd to Jiaojiao-jie, Iโ€™m sorry. To Qin Zhenyan and Qi Changfeng as wellโ€ฆ Iโ€™m sorryโ€ฆโ€

    He was like a prisoner about to be incarcerated, making his final confessions.

    And indeed, that was the case.

    โ€œI donโ€™t like being a messenger,โ€ Pei Xuezhi said. โ€œYou can tell them these things yourself.โ€

    โ€œPei Xuezhi!โ€

    Fu Li called out again. The madness in his eyes had cleared, but it was still not entirely lucid, tinged with a hint of complexity.

    โ€œI really, truly hate you! Thatโ€™s the truth.โ€

    โ€œI know.โ€

    Pei Xuezhi remained standing there, her expression as cool and detached as ever. She was like pristine snow atop a high mountain, untouched and unchanging, never swayed by the opinions of others.

    Fu Li suddenly realized that perhaps the reason Fu Chaoyun and Pei Xuezhi could be together was that, at their core, they shared the same pride.

    In a way, they were also the ones who understood each other the most.

    He continued, โ€œBut at the same time, Iโ€™m also incredibly jealous of you, envious of you. There was even a moment when I wanted to become someone like you and worked hard for itโ€ฆโ€

    โ€œHmm.โ€

    Talking to Pei Xuezhi was never a pleasant experience because her responses were always so bland. Even when someone bared their soul in front of her, all they got in return were indifferent replies like โ€œHmmโ€ or โ€œIs that so?โ€โ€”utterly devoid of sincerity.

    But at this moment, Fu Li didnโ€™t mind.

    Perhaps it was because he had no one else to confide in, or perhaps these words had been bottled up inside him for too long. Right now, Fu Li just wanted an opportunity to vent.

    โ€œI feel like Iโ€™ve changed since I first joined the show, but in the end, Iโ€™ve reverted back to who I was. But youโ€™re different.โ€

    โ€œAt first, you completely ignored Fu Chaoyun, but now youโ€™re willing to stop just because I mentioned her name. Youโ€™ve started to care about her, youโ€ฆโ€

    Fu Li concluded with certainty, โ€œYouโ€™ve fallen for her.โ€

    Pei Xuezhi lowered her eyelids.

    โ€œI hate you, Iโ€™m jealous of you, and I envy youโ€ฆโ€ As Fu Li spoke, he placed the back of his hand over his eyes, blocking his vision and leaving only the artificial darkness he had created.

    At this moment, his fate was already sealed, soโ€”

    โ€œPlease, donโ€™t ever become like me.โ€

    This time, Pei Xuezhi didnโ€™t respond.

    After a long pause.

    Pei Xuezhi said, โ€œThereโ€™s something about you that I truly envy.โ€

    Fu Li looked up, seemingly in disbelief. What could someone as despicable as him, an omega with such lowly behavior, possibly have that Pei Xuezhi would desire?

    But Pei Xuezhi didnโ€™t elaborate, and he didnโ€™t ask further. His lips parted slightly, and finally, he seemed to make a firm decision, his gaze steady as he looked at Pei Xuezhi.

    โ€œThereโ€™s one more thing I can tell youโ€ฆโ€

    Pei Xuezhi walked out of Fu Liโ€™s hospital room and, upon looking up, saw Fu Chaoyun waiting outside.

    She was sitting on a plastic chair in the hallway, idly scrolling through her phone, her delicate profile appearing somewhat bored. But the moment she heard the door open, she suddenly stood up, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Pei Xuezhi and asked,

    โ€œEverything okay?โ€

    โ€œEverythingโ€™s fine.โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s reply was as cool and detached as ever, but in the next second, she walked over and pulled Fu Chaoyun into a tight embrace.

    The force was a bit strong, and Fu Chaoyun was momentarily startled. But then she naturally reached out, patting Pei Xuezhiโ€™s back as she asked with concern,

    โ€œWhatโ€™s wrong?โ€

    This kind of initiative from Pei Xuezhi, while sweet, was definitely unusual!

    Pei Xuezhi didnโ€™t say anything, holding onto her for a while before slowly letting go.

    โ€œItโ€™s nothing.โ€

    Yet her dark gaze remained fixed on Fu Chaoyunโ€™s face, tracing the lines from her brow to her jaw, not missing a single detail.

    Fu Chaoyun was hers.

    Fu Chaoyun, however, seemed unaware of this and even teased, โ€œZhizhi, you donโ€™t mind the smell anymore?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi: โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    How could she still remember that!

    Pei Xuezhi naturally couldnโ€™t contradict herself now, so she feigned composure and said, โ€œItโ€™s better now.โ€

    โ€œAlright then~โ€

    A faint smile flickered in Fu Chaoyunโ€™s eyes, but she chose to let it go lightly. The atmosphere between the two quieted down, and after a moment of thought, Fu Chaoyun invited Pei Xuezhi to take another look at the footage that had just been delivered.

    Pei Xuezhi leaned in, and the two of them sat close together.

    The 24-hour live-streamed dating show had cameras installed all over the villa.

    However, some camera angles had poor lighting or positioning and were rarely used. Over time, the staff didnโ€™t bother maintaining them much. Except for the control room, even the guests werenโ€™t aware that those cameras were still operational.

    Two days ago, Fu Li had gone to one of those rarely used camera spots.

    In the footage, Fu Li could be seen receiving a phone call, his expression suddenly turning blank. Then, faintly, something could be heardโ€”

    โ€œSave her!โ€ฆ Please, doctor, you must save her lifeโ€ฆ Moneyโ€ฆ Iโ€™ll transfer it right awayโ€ฆโ€

    In the information sent by the director, it was also revealed that Fu Li had approached him just yesterday to request an advance on all the fees he had earned from the show. The information provided by the director indicated that Fu Li had a grandmother in her seventies.

    It was clear now.

    Fu Liโ€™s family had suddenly encountered an emergency, and the situation was dire. He urgently needed money, and even after using all his savings and the earnings from the show, it still wasnโ€™t enough. So, he resorted to a desperate measure.

    Whether it was scheming against Qin Zhenyan or Qi Changfeng, his methods were too clumsy. Upon reflection, it was inevitable that his actions would be exposed. From the very beginning, he had no intention of maintaining a long-term relationship, nor did he aspire to marry into wealth. His sole goal was to secure a quick sum of money.

    Even if it meant ruining his reputation afterward, at this moment, he was determined and willing to risk everything! Thatโ€™s why he was so panicked and filled with regret upon hearing that he could face three to five years in prison.

    Even though he had prepared for the worst, this was something he couldnโ€™t bear.

    After reading this, Pei Xuezhi fell silent.

    This matter involved the illegal use of drugs to disrupt public safety. Even though there were extenuating circumstances, the production team couldnโ€™t cover it up.

    After a while, Pei Xuezhi thought of something else. โ€œAfter he goes to prison, what will happen to his grandmother? She wonโ€™t be able to see him.โ€

    Fu Chaoyun shook her head. โ€œI had the director use Fu Liโ€™s phone to contact the hospital earlier. They said she fell down the stairs and hit her head and back. Elderly people canโ€™t withstand any kind of injury, and they said she might become a vegetable. Itโ€™s unclear if sheโ€™ll ever wake up.โ€

    โ€œThe hospital hinted that he should consider giving up. Taking care of a vegetable requires continuous support, and Fu Liโ€™s family only consists of him and his grandmother. Heโ€™s only 20, just starting university, and has no means of earning money. His grandmother is in her seventies, and no one knows how many years she has leftโ€ฆโ€

    She didnโ€™t continue further.

    The outcome was clear: Fu Li refused to give up, even resorting to such extreme measures just to secure the medical fees.

    While his methods were undoubtedly despicable and shameful, the motive behind themโ€”though not excusable or forgivableโ€”was something that, as emotional beings, could evoke a sense of sympathy from certain perspectives.

    โ€œDid you cover the expenses?โ€

    โ€œMm,โ€ Fu Chaoyun nodded. For Fu Li, the medical fees were an astronomical sum that could drive him to despair, but for Fu Chaoyun, it was just the equivalent of losing a couple of rounds in a friendly game with friends.

    Sometimes, the world is just that unfair.

    Noticing Pei Xuezhiโ€™s gaze on her, Fu Chaoyun smiled and added, โ€œIโ€™m not doing this out of some sudden burst of kindness or to play the role of a good person.โ€

    She explained.

    โ€œFu Li messed up this time, but the fallout isnโ€™t too severe. Heโ€™ll probably only serve about three years. By the time he gets out, heโ€™ll only be 23. I saved his only family member, and after being tempered in prison, heโ€™ll undoubtedly be grateful to me. For the next few decades, wonโ€™t he have to work his heart out for the Fu family?โ€

    โ€œThatโ€™s how us ruthless capitalists operate. Iโ€™m lending him the money, not giving it to him for free. Heโ€™ll have to pay it back eventually!โ€

    Fu Chaoyun raised an eyebrow. โ€œPretty good deal, donโ€™t you think?โ€

    While her words sounded harsh, there was another way to interpret them.

    Fu Li, once a promising college student, would now have a three-year gap in his life and a criminal record. Heโ€™d struggle to find any decent, well-paying job and would likely end up doing menial labor.

    As a delicate omega, how would he support himself and his grandmother, who was now a vegetable? How would they survive?

    Fu Chaoyun framed it as morally binding Fu Li to work for her, but in reality, she was offering him a job and even opportunities for further training within the companyโ€ฆ Truly, it was already a very generous arrangement.

    Pei Xuezhi thought of all this but didnโ€™t point it out. Instead, she gently brushed Fu Chaoyunโ€™s hair.

    โ€œMm, jiejie is really amazing.โ€ After a pause, she added, โ€œFu Li is actually quite clever. Heโ€™ll be able to earn a lot of money for you.โ€

    Fu Li was indeed not foolish.

    Unlike Pei Xuezhi, who was more academically inclined, Fu Li was a genius in another senseโ€”he had an exceptional ability to perceive peopleโ€™s emotions.

    This was likely due to his upbringing. His parents passed away early, leaving him to rely solely on his grandmother.

    He wasnโ€™t particularly gifted academically, but through sheer persistence and hard work, he managed to get into one of the top two universities in Rong City. Everything he did afterward was in preparation to sell himself at the highest price.

    It was precisely this environment and mindset that shaped his uniqueness. From the little he revealed during his earlier breakdown, it was clear that Fu Li had a keen understanding of the personalities of the other guests in the villa. He might have even seen through Xia Shiyiโ€™s true nature early on.

    โ€œI think so too,โ€ Fu Chaoyun said thoughtfully. โ€œWhen the time comes, weโ€™ll just toss him into the sales department. Heโ€™s so good with words; he should be out there running business errands, rain or shine, under the summer sun or winter windsโ€ฆ If he performs well, we can even give him a chance for further training and earn more money~โ€

    She was truly embodying the essence of a capitalist!

    Pei Xuezhi smiled. โ€œIโ€™ll leave it all to you, jiejie.โ€

    โ€œZhizhi is so well-behaved today!โ€

    After a while, Pei Xuezhi pursed her lips, her gaze turning slightly distant. โ€œI was thinkingโ€ฆ maybe there was a moment when Fu Li actually wanted to change for the betterโ€ฆโ€

    Fu Li had always said he was jealous of her, that he was shallow and only cared about money. But back when Qin Zhenyan shifted his attention, Fu Li had genuinely shown signs of resistance.

    โ€œWho knows?โ€ Fu Chaoyun seemed indifferent to the psychological changes of her future employee.

    Pei Xuezhi naturally moved past the topic and added, โ€œFu Li also told me something else.โ€

    โ€œWhat?โ€

    โ€œHe initially targeted you.โ€

    โ€œWow! Zhizhi is so amazing, you even found that out!!โ€

    Pei Xuezhi had grown accustomed to Fu Chaoyunโ€™s exaggerated praises. This time, she observed the otherโ€™s expression. โ€œYouโ€™re not surprised?โ€

    โ€œNot really.โ€

    Fu Chaoyun said, โ€œHe targeted me from the start. Although he deduced from my clothing and accessories that I must be quite wealthy, that would still require a process of testing and confirmation. What if I was just pretending to be rich? If he ended up being deceived both emotionally and materially, it would be a total loss.โ€

    โ€œBesides, this doesnโ€™t quite align with the cautious demeanor he showed later.โ€

    At first, Fu Liโ€™s affection for Fu Chaoyun was like a tidal wave, crashing in with overwhelming force. Even after being rejected, even after Fu Chaoyun chose to get closer to Pei Xuezhi, he never backed down, as if he had already decided that she was the one!

    Looking back, this was indeed somewhat unusual.

    โ€œAs long as youโ€™re aware, then it seems I was overstepping.โ€

    โ€œHow could that be?โ€ Fu Chaoyun replied. โ€œThe information you brought me is incredibly useful, and I only found out about this after watching the footage.โ€

    โ€œFootage?โ€ Pei Xuezhi was puzzled.

    โ€œThereโ€™s another recording, from the same location. Fu Li was on the phone with someone, saying he couldnโ€™t handle the job and wasnโ€™t going to do it anymore.โ€

    Pei Xuezhi: โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    Wasnโ€™t the process of uncovering the mastermind a bit too hasty?

    Fu Chaoyun, however, narrowed her eyes slightly, revealing a hint of danger, though it wasnโ€™t directed at Pei Xuezhi. โ€œThat drug must have been given to him by the person on the phone, right?โ€

    The drug had been classified as banned, making it extremely difficult to obtain. Fu Liโ€™s background was ordinary at best, yet he had managed to get his hands on it, and in such a high concentration. How could that not raise suspicions?

    Pei Xuezhi nodded as well, her gaze falling on the person beside her.

    โ€œFu Li confessed that he obtained the drug when he first joined the dating show, so he initially intended to use it on you.โ€

    Fu Chaoyun smiled, though the coldness in her eyes remained. โ€œI really was lucky, then.โ€ But the moment she turned and saw Pei Xuezhi, her expression brightened again.

    โ€œLuckily, Zhizhi asked me out today.โ€

    If they had still been in the villa, would Fu Liโ€™s first target have been Fu Chaoyun instead?โ€ฆ It was hard to say for sure.

    โ€œDo you have any enemies?โ€

    Fu Chaoyun frowned.

    โ€œWhy do you ask?โ€ Pei Xuezhi pressed.

    โ€œIโ€™ve got way too many!โ€

    โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    After a moment, Pei Xuezhi spoke again, โ€œIn any case, be more careful from now on. And remind your family to stay vigilant too.โ€

    โ€œI know,โ€ Fu Chaoyun said solemnly.

    However, her solemnity lasted only a second before she leaned over again, resting her head on Pei Xuezhiโ€™s shoulder. While snuggling up to the beauty, she couldnโ€™t help but sigh.

    โ€œOur Zhizhi is so virtuous~โ€

    Pei Xuezhi, suddenly labeled as โ€œvirtuousโ€: โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    She gently ruffled Fu Chaoyunโ€™s hair. โ€œWhen we get back, Iโ€™ll buy you a pomelo.โ€

    Pomelo peels are said to ward off bad luck.

    โ€œWhy the sudden urge to eat that? Sure,โ€ Fu Chaoyun replied without hesitation, then added after a moment of thought, โ€œBut Iโ€™ll peel it myself once we buy it.โ€

    Zhizhiโ€™s hands are too beautiful for such tasks.

    โ€œWeโ€™ll do it together,โ€ Pei Xuezhi said, as if she had just thought of something. โ€œAnd we can check on the little goldfish while weโ€™re at it.โ€

    โ€œSounds good to me.โ€


    Fu Li had always contacted that person via phone. The other party likely used a voice changer, and the phone numbers used were from overseas. The only thing known was that the person referred to themselves as โ€œMr. Chouโ€ [ไป‡ | Chรณu | a surname meaning โ€˜revengeโ€™ or โ€˜hatredโ€™].

    Using โ€œChouโ€ as a surname, with its connotations of revenge and hatredโ€ฆ

    This alone was deeply suggestive, and it was highly likely to be a fake name.

    Fu Chaoyun called her family to inform them, directly contacting Fu Lingfeng. After all, Madam Fu was currently preoccupied with marital bliss, leaving most family matters to the younger CEO Fu.

    After hearing the details, Fu Lingfengโ€™s voice turned serious. โ€œUnderstood. Iโ€™ll have someone look into it.โ€

    The drug was highly unusual.

    If a complete mark had been formed, the drug would have disappeared without a trace, leaving the victim with no choice but to silently endure the consequences. This time, it was only detected because the mark was incomplete, leaving behind traces.

    Fu Lingfeng naturally realized that if the drug had been used on her younger sister, given the temperament of the former โ€œFu Chaoyun,โ€ and with so many live-stream cameras rollingโ€ฆ Not only would Fu Chaoyun have been publicly condemned, but the Fu familyโ€™s reputation would have been dragged down as well.

    Meanwhile, Fu Chaoyun, who had narrowly escaped this disaster, was now quite relaxed. โ€œInvestigate what? Who are you sending to investigate? Donโ€™t be so hasty.โ€

    Fu Lingfeng: โ€œWhat?โ€

    โ€œWeโ€™re law-abiding citizens. The Fu family pays taxes in accordance with the law. Since this matter has already been reported to the police, we should trust in the capabilities of the police officers. Theyโ€™ll definitely give us an explanationโ€ฆ Sis, youโ€™re the young CEO Fu, but youโ€™re not living in some domineering CEO novel. Remember to respect the law, okay?โ€

    โ€œHmmโ€ฆ Speaking of which, at my age, shouldnโ€™t I be calling them โ€˜police gegeโ€™ [ๅ“ฅๅ“ฅ | Gฤ“gฤ“ | older brother] and not โ€˜police shushuโ€™ [ๅ”ๅ” | shลซshu | uncle]?โ€

    โ€œโ€ฆWhat do you think Iโ€™m going to do?โ€

    โ€œAh? Did I misunderstand? My apologies, my apologies.โ€ Her tone was utterly insincere.

    โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    After a moment of silence.

    Fu Lingfeng finally suppressed her displeasure and said a few serious words.

    โ€œDonโ€™t always act so carelessly outside. Youโ€™re 23 now; itโ€™s time to start doing something meaningful.โ€

    โ€œMm-hmm, isnโ€™t that what Iโ€™m doing right now?โ€

    โ€œYou?โ€ Fu Lingfeng clearly didnโ€™t believe her.

    โ€œLooking for a wife.โ€

    โ€œโ€ฆโ€

    โ€œYou know what they sayโ€”โ€˜settle down first, then focus on your career.โ€™ I think that makes a lot of sense.โ€

    โ€œโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€

    Fu Lingfeng held back her frustration and finally snapped, โ€œGet lost!โ€

    With that, she hung up the phone.

    On her end, Fu Chaoyun didnโ€™t seem the least bit upset. โ€œTsk, tsk, tsk, the young CEO Fu still has a long way to go in mastering her temperโ€ฆโ€

    When she turned around, she noticed Pei Xuezhi was still looking at her. Under the fluorescent light, her gaze seemed unusually deep.

    โ€œZhizhi?โ€ Fu Chaoyun called softly.

    โ€œHmm,โ€ Pei Xuezhi responded, then added, โ€œI just thought of something.โ€

    โ€œWhat?โ€

    โ€œYou said that Fu Liโ€™s love-at-first-sight and relentless pursuit were unreasonable and had ulterior motives,โ€ Pei Xuezhi suddenly smiled. โ€œBut didnโ€™t you act the same way toward me back then?โ€

    She tilted her head slightly. โ€œDid you also have ulterior motives?โ€

    โ€œ!โ€

    Alarm bells rang loudly in Fu Chaoyunโ€™s mind. This was clearly about to turn into a reckoning of past grievances.

    What to do, what to do, what to doโ€ฆ

    Finally, she made a decision!

    โ€œBack then, I was indeed just captivated by Zhizhiโ€™s beauty!โ€

    Better to confront it head-on than to avoid it!

    โ€œโ€ฆOh?โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s tone rose slightly at the end, carrying a dangerous edge.

    โ€œI admit, I was shallow back then, but itโ€™s only natural to be drawn to someoneโ€™s looks first before getting closer!โ€ Fu Chaoyun shamelessly defended herself. โ€œWhy donโ€™t you ask me how I feel now?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi seemed to smile faintly, her deep gaze resting on the alphaโ€™s face as she followed along.

    โ€œThen how do you feel now?โ€

    โ€œNow, of course, I love all of Zhizhi!โ€

    Seeing Pei Xuezhiโ€™s smile deepen slightly, Fu Chaoyun mustered the courage to ask in return, โ€œThenโ€ฆ what about you, Zhizhi?โ€

    Pei Xuezhi looked her up and down. โ€œCoincidentally, I also really like jiejieโ€™s face.โ€

    Fu Chaoyun suddenly looked disappointed. โ€œJust that?โ€

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s gaze remained deep.

    โ€œThenโ€”โ€

    Under Fu Chaoyunโ€™s extremely expectant gaze, Pei Xuezhi added, โ€œHow about adding your figure to that?โ€

    Fu Chaoyun instantly deflated like a punctured balloon, all her energy draining away. Meanwhile, Pei Xuezhi, the heartbreaker, reached out to ruffle her hair, hiding the deeper emotions in her heart.

    She wouldnโ€™t say moreโ€”at least not now.

    With this little diversion, the gloom that had settled over the matter of Fu Li and the mastermind behind the scenes dissipated significantly.

    After a moment, Fu Chaoyun looked up again.

    โ€œZhizhi, did he say anything else to you?โ€

    The โ€œheโ€ here referred to Fu Li.

    Pei Xuezhiโ€™s expression remained unchanged.

    โ€œNo.โ€

    Todayโ€™s unexpected events had left the villa filled with an overwhelming atmosphere. Even though specialized personnel had been called in to clean up, the lingering pheromones and drug residues were harmful to the body. It would take at least a night for them to dissipate completely.

    So that night, aside from the three who needed to stay in the hospital, everyone else stayed at a nearby hotel.

    The production team, with their deep pockets, booked extremely luxurious rooms. Unfortunately, due to the need for rest and reorganization, the live stream couldnโ€™t be aired that night.

    Fu Chaoyun had someone bring over the little goldfish. While waiting for Pei Xuezhi to arrive, she gently played with it.

    The alphaโ€™s eyelids lowered slightly, and even in her quiet state, her strikingly beautiful face was flawlessly exquisite.

    Fu Chaoyun asked the system, โ€œTell me, whatโ€™s really going on with my body?โ€

    Several times now, she had shown no reaction to other peopleโ€™s pheromones, and even in the beginning, she hadnโ€™t reacted to Pei Xuezhiโ€™s pheromones either. It was only later that things gradually improved.

    Even though Fu Chaoyun was a transmigrator and didnโ€™t fully understand the ABO world, she knew something was off with her current condition!

    Since it was possible to tamper with the body of the scumbag alpha before, it stood to reason that the same could be done now that she had taken over this body.

    ใ€You deliberately had Xia Shiyi remove the mask during the dayโ€”it was all planned!ใ€‘ This time, the system didnโ€™t play dead and appeared as soon as it was called.

    โ€œCut the nonsense and just explain,โ€ Fu Chaoyun didnโ€™t deny it.

    ใ€Huh? Didnโ€™t I tell you?ใ€‘

    โ€œWhat?โ€

    Perhaps it felt that the situation was beyond saving. After all, things had developed to this point, and it no longer needed to issue tasks because its host had naturally taken care of Pei Xuezhi perfectly.

    Now, it simply stopped hiding the truth.

    ใ€Your body can only react to the female protagonist.ใ€‘

    Zhizhi?

    Would the system be so kind to her? Spare her from all temptation?

    Fu Chaoyun was skeptical.

    ใ€Or ratherโ€”ใ€‘

    The system changed its explanation and laid it all out. ใ€Itโ€™s Pei Xuezhi whoโ€™s controlling your body.ใ€‘

    ???

    Fu Chaoyun: โ€œWhatโ€™s going on?!โ€

    Before she could figure it out, there was a knock at the door. Fu Chaoyun looked up and asked, โ€œWho is it?โ€

    Still shaken by the systemโ€™s response, her tone wasnโ€™t particularly friendly, carrying a hint of irritation and impatience.

    There was a brief silence outside the door, and then a cool, calm voice replied.

    โ€œPei Xuezhi, here to see the little goldfish.โ€



    1 Comment

    1. Monsi
      Mar 19, '25 at 6:38 AM

      Did the system tell that on the previous chapters…?! What a crucial info!!!

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